Governor Alexey Ostrovskiy took part in the ceremony dedicated to the International Day of the Liberation of Prisoners of fascist concentration camps

The "Gubernsky" cultural and recreational center hosted a ceremony dedicated to the International Day of the Libertion of prisoners of fascist concentration camps. The event was attended by Governor Alexey Ostrovskiy, heads of executive and legislative authorities, former juvenile prisoners of fascism, representatives of veteran and public organizations, activists of the All-Russian children and youth military-patriotic public movement YUNARMIA.

Currently, over 4,000 former minor prisoners live in Smolensk region. All of them receive monthly cash payments and partial compensation for costs of housing and utility services, and necessary medications. In order to protect the rights and social interests of citizens who were prisoners or lost relatives in concentration camps, in the region there is the Smolensk public organization of former juvenile prisoners of fascist concentration camps. Its specialists carry out active educational and patriotic work among young people, assist disabled people and former prisoners of fascist concentration camps, help to improve their living conditions, and medical care.

Greeting the participants of the ceremony, Governor Alexey Ostrovskiy pointed out: "It is impossible to imagine what terrible things you went through. However, despite all this, you survived, stood firm, and retained strong will and love for life. I, with all my heart, wish you good health and many years to come, more happy moments, let your children and grandchildren bring you joy as often as possible with their smiles and love. I admire your courage. I bow my head to you!"

Nelly Grigoryevna Podlesnaya, a former juvenile prisoner of Auschwitz, spoke about the years in the concentration camp: "Of course, we believed that we could return home. As you know, hope dies last. We waited for liberation and are very grateful to the commanders and soldiers of the Red Army for the fact that they gave us a second life."